{"id":48585,"date":"2025-08-30T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/?p=48585"},"modified":"2025-08-28T22:18:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T03:18:06","slug":"currency-in-morocco-paying-atm-exchanging-money-etc","status":"publish","type":"travel-guide","link":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/guide-de-voyage\/currency-in-morocco-paying-atm-exchanging-money-etc\/","title":{"rendered":"La monnaie au Maroc : Payer, ATM ; Echanger de l'argent, etc..."},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Comprendre le Dirham Marocain (MAD)<\/h2>\n<h3>La Monnaie Officielle du Maroc<\/h3>\n<p>Before you dive into the vibrant souks and bustling medinas, it&#8217;s essential to get acquainted with the local currency: the Moroccan Dirham. You&#8217;ll see it abbreviated as <strong>DH<\/strong>, or in Arabic as <strong>\u062f.\u0645.<\/strong>, with the official international currency code being <strong>MAD<\/strong>. Morocco&#8217;s economy is unique in that the Dirham is a &#8220;closed currency.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This status means it is technically prohibited to import or export large quantities of the currency. For the average traveler, this has one key implication: you should plan to exchange any leftover Dirhams back into your home currency <strong>before you leave Morocco<\/strong>. You will not be able to exchange it once you are outside the country. Airport exchange counters are available for this purpose, though it&#8217;s always best to try and spend your final notes and coins on last-minute souvenirs or snacks.<\/p>\n<h3>Billets et pi\u00e8ces en circulation<\/h3>\n<p>Le dirham marocain est une monnaie simple \u00e0 manipuler. Les billets sont color\u00e9s et pr\u00e9sentent des portraits du roi Mohammed VI et de divers monuments nationaux, ce qui les rend faciles \u00e0 distinguer.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Banknotes:<\/strong> The most common notes you will handle are 20, 50, 100, and 200 dirhams.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coins:<\/strong> You&#8217;ll frequently use coins valued at 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirhams.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Centimes:<\/strong> The Dirham is subdivided into 100 centimes. While less common in tourist transactions, you may receive smaller coins of 10, 20, and 50 centimes as change, particularly in supermarkets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1620656360893-6a58555e3427?q=80&amp;w=1200&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=crop\" alt=\"A collection of current Moroccan Dirham banknotes and coins, including the 20, 50, 100, and 200 DH notes.\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px\"><figcaption style=\"text-align:center;font-size:0.9em;color:#666;margin-top:8px\">Billets et pi\u00e8ces de dirham marocain actuels.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Local Lingo: Dirhams vs. &#8220;Rials&#8221;<\/h3>\n<p>Here is a crucial piece of local knowledge that can save you both confusion and money. While the Dirham is the official currency, you may hear some vendors, particularly in older parts of the medinas or among the older generation, quote prices in &#8220;rials.&#8221; This is a remnant of a former currency, and it can be a point of confusion.<\/p>\n<p>The conversion is simple but important: <strong>1 Dirham = 20 Rials<\/strong>. A price quoted as &#8220;1000 rials&#8221; is actually 50 Dirhams. While most vendors dealing with tourists will use Dirhams, this discrepancy can sometimes be used to overcharge unsuspecting visitors. To avoid any misunderstanding, it is always wise to politely clarify the price. A simple question like, &#8220;Is that in Dirham?&#8221; will ensure everyone is on the same page and prevent you from accidentally paying twenty times the intended price.<\/p>\n<h2>Obtenir de l'argent : Guichets automatiques et bureau de change<\/h2>\n<p>While Morocco is modernizing, it remains a predominantly cash-based society. Having a good supply of Dirhams on hand is essential for daily transactions, from buying a bottle of water to haggling for a beautiful rug in the souk. Here\u2019s how to navigate getting and exchanging your money.<\/p>\n<h3>Utiliser les distributeurs automatiques de billets au Maroc<\/h3>\n<p>Automated Teller Machines, known as ATMs or <em>guichets automatiques<\/em>, are the most convenient way to access your money in Morocco. They are generally reliable and easy to find in urban areas.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Availability:<\/strong> ATMs are widespread in cities and larger towns. You&#8217;ll find them at airports, near bank branches, and in modern shopping districts. However, once you venture into rural villages or the High Atlas mountains, they become extremely scarce, so plan to withdraw enough cash beforehand.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Major Banks:<\/strong> For the best reliability, look for ATMs affiliated with major national banks. These include <strong>Al-Barid Bank<\/strong> (often found at post offices), <strong>Attijariwafa Bank<\/strong>, <strong>BMCE Bank<\/strong>, and <strong>Banque Populaire (BCP)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Withdrawal Limits:<\/strong> Be aware that most Moroccan ATMs have a transaction limit, typically between 2,000 and 4,000 DH. Your home bank will also have its own daily withdrawal limit, so the lower of the two will apply. If you need more cash, you may have to make multiple withdrawals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fees and Charges:<\/strong> Some Moroccan banks may charge a small local fee for each withdrawal (around 20-30 DH). More importantly, check with your home bank before you travel to understand their foreign transaction fees and currency conversion charges, as these can add up quickly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>S\u00e9curit\u00e9 :<\/strong> Exercise the same caution you would at home. Prefer ATMs located inside or attached to a bank branch, shield your PIN with your hand, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid withdrawing large sums of cash late at night.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>\u00c9change de devises \u00e9trang\u00e8res<\/h3>\n<p>If you prefer to bring cash to exchange, Morocco has a well-regulated system. The most widely accepted and easily exchanged currencies are <strong>Euros (EUR)<\/strong>, <strong>US Dollars (USD)<\/strong>, and <strong>British Pounds (GBP)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Un point crucial \u00e0 retenir est l'\u00e9tat de vos billets de banque. Les bureaux de change peuvent \u00eatre tr\u00e8s pointilleux. Assurez-vous d'apporter des billets nets, propres et modernes, sans d\u00e9chirures, marques ou plis prononc\u00e9s, car les billets endommag\u00e9s sont souvent refus\u00e9s.<\/p>\n<h3>O\u00f9 \u00e9changer votre argent<\/h3>\n<p>Vous disposez de plusieurs options officielles pour \u00e9changer des devises. Le taux de change est fix\u00e9 quotidiennement par la banque centrale, vous ne trouverez donc que des variations mineures entre les diff\u00e9rents prestataires officiels.<\/p>\n<h4>Bureaux de change officiels (Bureau de Change)<\/h4>\n<p>These are your best option. You&#8217;ll find them in airports, tourist areas, and medina entrances. They often offer the most competitive rates and are quick and efficient. While many advertise &#8220;no commission,&#8221; it&#8217;s wise to always ask for the final amount you will receive and check it against your receipt before leaving the counter.<\/p>\n<h4>\u00c0 l'a\u00e9roport<\/h4>\n<p>Exchanging money at the airport upon arrival is undeniably convenient. However, this convenience comes at a cost, as airport exchange rates are consistently less favorable than those you&#8217;ll find in the city. A practical approach is to exchange only a small amount\u2014perhaps \u20ac50, $50, or \u00a350\u2014to cover your taxi fare and any immediate needs like a coffee or snack.<\/p>\n<h4>Banques<\/h4>\n<p>Les banques sont un lieu s\u00fbr et officiel pour \u00e9changer des devises. Les taux sont justes, mais le processus peut prendre plus de temps, impliquant souvent des files d'attente plus longues et plus de paperasse. Leurs heures d'ouverture sont \u00e9galement moins pratiques pour les voyageurs par rapport \u00e0 un bureau de change d\u00e9di\u00e9.<\/p>\n<h4>Ce qu'il faut \u00e9viter<\/h4>\n<p>Pour prot\u00e9ger votre argent et rester dans la l\u00e9galit\u00e9, \u00e9vitez deux options :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>H\u00f4tels :<\/strong> While most large hotels offer currency exchange, their rates are typically very poor. It is a service of last resort.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Street Exchangers:<\/strong> You may be approached by individuals on the street offering to exchange money. This is the &#8220;black market,&#8221; and it is both illegal and extremely risky. You expose yourself to scams, counterfeit currency, and theft. Always use an official, licensed provider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Comment payer : en esp\u00e8ces ou par carte<\/h2>\n<h3>L'argent liquide est roi<\/h3>\n<p>While digital payments are becoming more common globally, Morocco remains a predominantly cash-based economy. For a smooth and authentic travel experience, carrying a sufficient amount of Moroccan Dirhams is not just a recommendation\u2014it&#8217;s essential. Cash allows you to engage with the local economy on its own terms, from the bustling medinas to serene rural villages. Understanding the <a href=\"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/guide-de-voyage\/geographie-du-maroc\/\">geography of Morocco<\/a> can help you anticipate where cash might be more or less readily accepted.<\/p>\n<p>Avoir de l'argent liquide \u00e0 disposition est particuli\u00e8rement crucial dans les situations suivantes :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Shopping in souks and medinas:<\/strong> The vast majority of vendors in these traditional markets operate exclusively with cash. It&#8217;s also the only way to pay if you plan on bargaining for goods.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Paying for petit taxis:<\/strong> These small, local taxis rarely have card machines. Fares are metered or agreed upon, and payment is always in cash.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Small cafes and local restaurants:<\/strong> Your morning coffee or a delicious tagine at a family-run eatery will almost certainly require dirhams.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Street food vendors:<\/strong> Don&#8217;t miss out on incredible local snacks and meals; these vendors only accept cash.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stays in smaller guesthouses or riads:<\/strong> While many bookable online, smaller, independent riads often prefer or require cash payment for the final bill and any extras.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purchases in rural areas:<\/strong> Once you leave the major cities, the availability of card terminals drops significantly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Utilisation des cartes de cr\u00e9dit et de d\u00e9bit<\/h3>\n<p>Les cartes de cr\u00e9dit et de d\u00e9bit ont certainement leur place au Maroc, offrant commodit\u00e9 et s\u00e9curit\u00e9 pour les achats importants. Se fier uniquement \u00e0 une carte, cependant, limiterait vos exp\u00e9riences. Il est pr\u00e9f\u00e9rable de les utiliser en compl\u00e9ment du liquide, et non en remplacement.<\/p>\n<p>Vous pouvez utiliser votre carte en toute confiance dans les \u00e9tablissements suivants :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Large international hotels:<\/strong> Major hotel chains and high-end resorts will accept credit cards for payment and incidentals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Upscale restaurants and riads:<\/strong> More formal dining establishments and luxury riads, especially those catering to international tourists, are typically equipped for card payments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Modern supermarkets:<\/strong> Chains like <strong>Carrefour<\/strong> or <strong>Marjane<\/strong> operate just like supermarkets elsewhere and accept all major cards.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Some larger, fixed-price artisan shops:<\/strong> Government-regulated artisan co-ops (Ensemble Artisanal) or high-end boutiques in modern parts of cities often have card facilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In terms of acceptance, <strong>Visa<\/strong> et <strong>Mastercard<\/strong> are the most widely recognized. American Express is accepted in far fewer places, primarily in top-tier international hotels and restaurants.<\/p>\n<h4>Une note sur la conversion dynamique des devises (DCC)<\/h4>\n<p>When paying by card, you may be presented with a choice on the payment terminal: pay in your home currency (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP) or pay in the local currency (<strong>MAD<\/strong>). This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). It may seem convenient to see the price in a familiar currency, but this service comes with a poor exchange rate set by the payment processor, not your bank.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CRITICAL ADVICE: Always choose to pay in the local currency, Moroccan Dirhams (MAD).<\/strong> By doing so, you ensure that the currency conversion is handled by your own bank, which almost always offers a much more favorable rate.<\/p>\n<h2>Argent et \u00e9tiquette : conseils pratiques<\/h2>\n<h3>L'Art de la N\u00e9gociation<\/h3>\n<p>In Morocco, particularly within the bustling souks and medinas, bargaining is not just a way to get a better price\u2014it&#8217;s an integral part of the social and commercial fabric. Far from being confrontational, it&#8217;s a friendly and expected interaction. Approaching it with a smile and a good-natured attitude will not only make the experience more enjoyable but also often lead to a better outcome. Remember, the initial price is almost always just a starting point for the conversation.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Be polite and friendly:<\/strong> A warm smile and a calm demeanor are your best tools. Haggling is a respectful negotiation, not an argument.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Have a price in mind:<\/strong> Before you begin, decide what the item is worth to you. This gives you a clear goal and an endpoint for the negotiation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make a reasonable first offer:<\/strong> A common strategy is to counter the seller&#8217;s initial price with an offer of around 50%. You will likely meet somewhere in the middle.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Show genuine interest:<\/strong> Only begin to bargain if you are seriously considering buying the item. Engaging in a long negotiation and then walking away without a good reason can be considered impolite.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Know when to walk away:<\/strong> If you and the vendor cannot agree on a price you&#8217;re comfortable with, it is perfectly acceptable to politely thank them for their time and walk away. Sometimes, this gesture will prompt a final, better offer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Pourboires au Maroc<\/h3>\n<p>While not strictly mandatory, tipping (known as a <em>baksheesh<\/em>) is a customary way to show appreciation for good service in Morocco. Wages can be low, so these gestures are always well-received and can make a significant difference. It is highly recommended to keep a supply of small coins and banknotes (5, 10, and 20 dirham bills) handy, as asking a vendor or waiter to break a large bill for a small tip can be awkward.<\/p>\n<p>Voici quelques directives g\u00e9n\u00e9rales pour les situations courantes :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cafes:<\/strong> For a coffee or a soft drink, rounding up the bill or leaving 2-5 DH on the table is standard.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Casual Restaurants:<\/strong> For a simple meal, rounding up the total is fine. For attentive service, a tip of around 10% of the bill is appropriate.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hotel Porters:<\/strong> A tip of 10-20 DH per piece of luggage is a nice gesture for their help.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Housekeeping Staff:<\/strong> Leaving around 20 DH per day in your room for the staff is a common practice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Petit Taxis:<\/strong> Simply round up the metered fare to the nearest 5 or 10 DH.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Guides touristiques :<\/strong> For a private guide, 100-200 DH for a full day or 50-100 DH for a half-day is a standard amount, depending on the quality and length of the tour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Budget et Co\u00fbts Quotidiens<\/h3>\n<p>Le Maroc peut accueillir un large \u00e9ventail de budgets, du routard \u00e9conome \u00e0 celui en qu\u00eate de luxe. Vos d\u00e9penses quotidiennes d\u00e9pendront enti\u00e8rement de vos choix en mati\u00e8re d'h\u00e9bergement, de restauration et d'activit\u00e9s. Vous trouverez ci-dessous quelques estimations de budget quotidien pour vous aider \u00e0 planifier votre voyage. Notez qu'il s'agit de montants par personne et qu'ils n'incluent pas les co\u00fbts ponctuels majeurs tels que les vols internationaux ou les vir\u00e9es shopping importantes.<\/p>\n<h4>Voyageur \u00e0 budget : 400-500 MAD (40-50 USD) par jour<\/h4>\n<p>Un voyageur soucieux de son budget peut profiter du Maroc confortablement en s\u00e9journant dans des auberges de jeunesse, en mangeant dans des stands de nourriture locaux et en utilisant les transports en commun.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Accommodation:<\/strong> Dorm bed in a hostel (100-200 DH)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nourriture :<\/strong> Street food, tagines in small local cafes (150-200 DH)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transport &amp; Activit\u00e9s :<\/strong> Walking, petit taxis, minimal entry fees (50-100 DH)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Milieu de gamme : 1 000-1 800 MAD (100-180 USD) par jour<\/h4>\n<p>Ce budget permet plus de confort, notamment des chambres priv\u00e9es dans des riads traditionnels, des repas dans un m\u00e9lange de restaurants locaux et plus \u00e9tablis, et quelques visites guid\u00e9es.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Accommodation:<\/strong> Private room in a nice riad or a mid-range hotel (600-1,200 DH)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nourriture :<\/strong> Meals in mid-range restaurants and cafes (300-500 DH)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transport &amp; Activit\u00e9s :<\/strong> More frequent taxi use, museum entries, a hammam experience (200-400 DH)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Voyageur de luxe : 3 000+ MAD (300+ $ US) par jour<\/h4>\n<p>Pour ceux qui recherchent une exp\u00e9rience haut de gamme, le Maroc offre de magnifiques h\u00f4tels de luxe, une cuisine raffin\u00e9e et des services priv\u00e9s sur mesure.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Accommodation:<\/strong> Suite in a luxury hotel or a high-end riad (2,000+ DH)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nourriture :<\/strong> Fine dining restaurants, hotel bars, and upscale cafes (800+ DH)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transport &amp; Activit\u00e9s :<\/strong> Private driver, private guided tours, high-end shopping, spa treatments (1,000+ DH)<\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Apprenez des conseils cl\u00e9s pour le change de devises, l'utilisation des distributeurs automatiques de billets et les paiements au Maroc.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":77865,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"Currency in Morocco: Paying, ATM; Exchanging money, etc&#8230;","_seopress_titles_desc":"Learn key tips for currency exchange, ATM use, and payments in Morocco.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"Currency in Morocco, Paying in Morocco, ATM in Morocco, Exchanging money in Morocco, Moroccan dirham, Using credit cards in Morocco, Finding ATMs in Morocco, Local currency Morocco, Morocco banknotes and coins, Money exchange rates in Morocco"},"tags":[26635,495,26024,26633,363,540,26634,26575],"article-type":[24794],"collection":[],"continent":[24757],"country":[300],"class_list":["post-48585","travel-guide","type-travel-guide","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-atm","tag-budget","tag-currency","tag-exchange","tag-finance","tag-money-saving","tag-paying","tag-travel-tips","article-type-practical-information","continent-africa","country-morroco"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travel-guide\/48585","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travel-guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/travel-guide"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48585"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48585"},{"taxonomy":"article-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-type?post=48585"},{"taxonomy":"collection","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/collection?post=48585"},{"taxonomy":"continent","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/continent?post=48585"},{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/remote-expeditions.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=48585"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}